The Power of Service

Sacrifices to TODELA went well today. I stopped by the shop of my livestock vendor to inquire about the well being of her business. She discussed briefly her increased fortune and equitable challenges as well as some possible strategies to strengthen and grow her business. After we left my friend's shop my wife asked why did I inquire into her business. I explained that the year prior, the vendor was hemorrhaging money, her paramour abandoned her, and bad fortune was all around her. I told my wife that I had given the vendor a token from MAMA EHO, instructing her to bury it on her property in a specific way, on a specific day. The vendor did as instructed and her fortune changed, I was just checking to remind her where her fortune came from.

Most people interested in Vodou are looking to enrich themselves, either financially or spiritually, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with either motivations. However, it must be stressed that while Vodou is definitely there to enhance the individual, it's real power lay in Vodou's social dimensions. To build and maintain healthy relationships between individuals, communities, and organizations in any combination imaginable is the greatest power of Vodou. Relationships between individuals and entities feed bellies, create wealth, and raise (or lay low) nations.

So as you go forward in the pursuit of your vodou, don't forget remember you owe service to your community and kin.